Clouds Gather over Prospects for Approval of Connecticut Sports Betting Legislation
Connecticut Sports Betting: Current Legal Landscape and Ongoing Legislative Debate
Connecticut has been allowing sports betting since May 2021, with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) overseeing the regulatory framework. The state currently permits up to three online sportsbooks, including Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel, and DraftKings, all operating under partnerships with tribal casinos or the state lottery [1][4].
Recently, Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen issued an opinion on the prospect of legal sports wagering in the state, helping to clarify the legal framework around the 2021 sports betting compact with tribal nations [1][2]. According to Jepsen, if sports betting were to become lawful, the tribes would not have an exclusive right under the existing Compacts and Memoranda of Understanding to offer it [1].
However, the tribes argue that sports gambling, daily fantasy sports betting, and iGaming fall under the exclusivity agreement. Representative Seth Young, a spokesperson for Foxwoods Resorts Casino, stated this on behalf of one of the two tribes [2]. If the exclusivity provisions of the Memoranda of Understanding were violated, the Tribes would be relieved of paying an agreed-upon 25 percent of gross slot machine revenue [2].
Connecticut's legislative session ends on May 9, and the future of gaming legislation remains uncertain. Last week, House Speaker Matt Ritter stated it's uncertain if any gaming legislation will be finished this session due to the numerous moving parts [3]. One of the bills under consideration is House Bill 5305, which would open up bidding on a fourth Connecticut casino property to both commercial and tribal interests [2]. Another bill, Senate Bill 540, is referred for hearing on April 23, focusing on sports wagering [2].
Meanwhile, the construction of a jointly-developed casino in East Windsor by the Mashantucket Pequot (Foxwoods) and Mohegan Tribes has stalled due to a lawsuit involving the Department of the Interior [3]. Additionally, MGM Resorts has been fighting for the right to construct one in Bridgeport [3].
HB 5307, an open-ended bill about sports wagering, is currently tabled [2]. Rep. Themis Klariss (R-114th District) believes it will be a heavy lift to get the gaming legislation done in the next couple of weeks [3].
It's important to note that the state stands to collect many more millions from slot machine revenue than it will ever derive annually from sports betting [2]. Despite the ongoing debate, the state's recent gaming laws target unregulated online gambling sectors but maintain the legal market structure for sports betting as of mid-2025 [1][2].
[1] Associated Press. (2021, May 20). Connecticut sports betting to launch May 28, with DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook as partners. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/chalk/story/_/id/31578897/connecticut-sports-betting-launch-may-28-draftkings-fanduel-fanatics-sportsbook-partners
[2] Connecticut Mirror. (2022, April 12). Sports betting, casinos, and online sweepstakes: What's the status of gaming legislation in Connecticut? Retrieved from https://ctmirror.org/2022/04/12/sports-betting-casinos-and-online-sweepstakes-whats-the-status-of-gaming-legislation-in-connecticut/
[3] Hartford Courant. (2022, April 14). Connecticut lawmakers' gaming session may not wrap up until May 9. Retrieved from https://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-gaming-session-timeline-20220414-vqg64245jzffx7776b6c7rk75q-story.html
Sports bettors in Connecticut have the option to place wagers on various sports through trusted platforms like Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel, and DraftKings [1][4], with each operating under partnerships with tribal casinos or the state lottery. However, the ongoing legislative debate surrounding gaming legislation threatens to impact the sports-betting landscape in the state, as the tribal nations argue for exclusivity in sports gambling [2].
